This comparison looks at budget-priced family sedans, specifically 2007 or 2008-model midsize and large sedans priced under $21,000.

The twenty-five cars in this group have the following equipment, except where otherwise noted: an automatic transmission, air conditioning, a CD player, power windows, locks with keyless entry, and mirrors, cruise control, front seat torso and front and rear seat head-protecting side airbags, and antilock brakes. Prices are estimated transaction prices from CarsDirect.com.

The cars in this group are expected to offer comfortable, economical, safe transportation for a reasonable price. Most of the vehicles in this group seem to provide the basics, with seating for five and a sub-$21,000 estimated transaction price. Read on to find out which ones really don't, which are overpriced, which stray from the accepted formula and why, and which deliver the best blend of virtues.

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Want numbers, not words? For numerical evaluations of the cars, and for their overall ranking order, skip to Evaluations.